Hey Guys!

 

I'm Shelby, I'm 18 and a freshman at Butler University, in Indianapolis. I am a double major, Elementary Education and Spanish. I am also a 6th grade Life Group leader at my church, which is the same thing as a youth sponsor or Bible Study leader. I have only been on one mission trip before, to New Orleans in 2006, and that was with my youth group. This will be my first trip as an individual on a team of people I do not know, so I am very excited and nervous about this trip all at the same time!

 

In fifth grade, I knew that no matter what I chose to be my career path, I wanted to travel around the world. My fifth grade teacher was  involved in the peace corps, which opened my eyes to the concept of traveling to third world countries to help those in need. Then in seventh grade, when I was saved by the Spirit, my new found love for Christ combined with my desires to travel and make a difference and inspired me-- I knew then that whatever career path I chose would ultimately lead me to missions. I have just always felt those tugs at my heart to Go.

 

In highschool, I should have done more trips. Finances in my family were rough, I had a lot of extracurriculars, and just about all the other excuses people use to say no to God and justify it. Now I am at a point where I am more involved than ever in school, my sorority, working, my family, etc., but I realize the importance now of saying yes to the Lord. My trust is in Him, and it is with a grateful heart that I chose to follow where he was leading me and sign up for this trip to Uganda.

 

I am a person who is caring beyond belief; people at school know me as "the mom". People come to me for encouragement, and love. Loving is what I do best. I'm not all sap and mushy gushy though, promise! I love to laugh and have a good time-- and if we're going to be spending two months together you will be hearing me sing! That's all I can think of so far!

 

I can't wait to meet all of you!

 

Shelby Murdoch